Allan McGregor : Back on the stage of last season’s loan spell and twice saved low down to keep out Tomlin in the first half and then again in the second period. Not always perfect with his handling but nothing he could do about the goal. 6

Fikayo Tomori: The pace of Hoilett was not always easily contained but stuck to his task when continuing his run at right-back. Unable to get forward as he might have liked in support of Toral, but kept on plugging away. 6

Michael Dawson: City’s captain produced a number of vital blocks when his side were stretched, including one to thwart Pilkington from close range. Led by example in difficult circumstances even if Cardiff squeezed a win. 7

Ondrej Mazuch (starman): The former Czech Republic international showed his pedigree once more in a commanding first half but fortunate not to see a scuffed clearance punished after the break. That let-off should not overshadow a big display. 7

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Ola Aina: Cardiff’s opener was marginally offside but the full-back was napping when Bamba ghosted in behind to score. Mendez-Laing gave him a big test out wide but stuck to his task well enough overall. 6

Michael Hector: Back from his hamstring injury to become the answer to City’s midfield problems. Added some bite and physicality to his side but use of the ball and stamina was found wanting. Did a job but not his position. 6

Seb Larsson: Neat and tidy in his duties as the senior midfielder, holding together an unfamiliar unit. Unable to keep City in control after the break but did come close when driving narrowly over from distance late on. 6

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Jon Toral: Played much of his game on the right of City’s attack and produced a cute pass that set up Dicko’s shot against the post. The midfielder’s influence, though, was only ever fleeting. Withdrawn just after the hour. 5

Jackson Irvine: Given the creative duties as a number 10 and his energy helped give Cardiff problems in the first half. The turning tide after half-time pushed him to the periphery for spells of the second half. No sniffs of another goal. 6

Kamil Grosicki: One of those off nights that make the winger such a frustrating figure. Sloppy with possession in the first half and rarely got in areas to trouble Cardiff with his pace. City need to get more of the ball to their flair man. 5

Nouha Dicko: Often isolated at the tip of City’s attack but rarely stopped running for his side. Almost rewarded with a goal when latching on to Toral’s pass to hit the inside of the post. Replaced with a quarter to play when fading. 6

Subs:

Jarrod Bowen (for Toral 62): Might not have been pushed into a return had City not been ravaged by injuries and could not rescue his side. 6

Adama Diomande (for Dicko 66): Took on the attacking role for the final quarter but looked rusty. 5